These earthworms were not introduced into the biochar / control plots. The biochar experiment started on 8th August 2009.

The density of occurrence of earthworms in the biochar fields varies based on several factors.

1. In the freshly added biochar plots the density would be less because of abrasive property of the fresh biochar. The biochar made from different biomass impacts the presence of earthworms.

2. After maturity the chances of earthworms presence and density is more. The percentage of biochar impacts the earthworms density.

3. The size of the biochar applied also affects the earthworms density.

Samples have been collected from different percentage of biochar plots. In a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm sample size the presence of earthworms is as such.

16% Biochar plot : 4 nos
5% biochar plot : 17 nos
3% Biochar Plot : 8 nos.
Control plot (without biochar) : 7 nos.

The chances of occurrence of earthworms in the soil just underneath the pure biochar layer are more. This factor may be because of the presence of moisture.

Here the soil chosen for mixing with biochar is red soil.

Based on further observations, effective vermicompost pits can be designed for different types of biochar.

Any methane produced during the vermicomposting process would be absorbed by the biochar.

Note: A good soil should have all the life that it is supposed to have, including soil microbes, worms, insects, etc. If application of biochar discriminates some of the life, we are not sure how this will lead to affects and disharmony to the soil environment. Therefore understanding how much biochar is good for a particular soil is important.

Good Stoves and Biochar Communities (GSBC) Project is being implemented by GEO and supported by GoodPlanet, France.

"Too much is bad, some is good, too little is poor"